How to Read Origami Diagrams

Illustration of a mountain fold that comes toward the viewer, a valley fold that folds away from the viewer, and a crease which is an indention created by unfolding paper
Basic Origami Symbols
Blank Space (Medium)
(text and background only visible when logged in)
A diagram illustrating basic origami instructions
Blank Space (Large)
(text and background only visible when logged in)

Basics of Origami

Screenshot of Robert Lang from Wired Magazine's video 11 Levels of Origami: Easy to Complex

There are a foundation of 10-12 basic folds / maneuvers that are essential to build origami: Rabbit Ear Fold, Reverse Fold (Inside & Outside), Squash Fold, Swivel Fold, Pleat Fold, Crimp Fold, Petal Fold, Sink Fold (Open, Closed, Spread). These folds create different origami bases from which a wide variety of structures can  be constructed.

Wired Magazine's 11 Levels of Origami: Easy to Complex
Blank Space (Medium)
(text and background only visible when logged in)

Basic Origami Folds

Blank Space (Small)
(text and background only visible when logged in)
Click the illustrations for links to Kevin Hutson Origami Videos
Blank Space (Large)
(text and background only visible when logged in)
Video URL

Basic Origami Bases

Origami begins by folding the sheet of paper into a base, a geometric shape that most closely relates to the structure of the desired origami subject.  

Blank Space (Small)
(text and background only visible when logged in)

Basic Origami Bases

Diagram illustrating basic origami bases